A new sports entertainment concept is hoping to enhance Indianapolis’ growing sports scene by providing another place for fans to gather.

Tom’s Watch Bar opened Dec. 2 at 140 S. Illinois St., just north of Georgia Street and less than two blocks from the Indiana Convention Center. IBJ first reported on Tom’s plans to open an Indianapolis franchise in June.

The space in the base of a Circle Center Mall garage opened in 1997 as a Planet Hollywood location, followed in 2000 by Ram Restaurant & Brewery and in 2021 by Goodwood Brewing & Spirits.

The 10,000-square-foot space features 135 screens as well as a full food and drink menu. Tom’s Watch Bar’s menu includes a variety of options from nachos to an ahi tuna tower and lobster and shrimp mac and cheese.

“We realized that the status quo of most sports bars were really kind of old and dated,” Tom’s Watch Bar co-founder Tom Ryan said. “You know, lots of pennants, lots of sticky floors, lots of $3 beers … we decided to kind of recreate sports bars for the next generation of sports enthusiasts. We view ourselves as a viewing-based sports entertainment concept that does elevated food and drink but really caters to very social occasions for people.”

Indianapolis is the 13th Tom’s Watch Bar location. Visitors can tune in to a variety of games or attend a “screen takeover” event in which each screen will show a major sporting event. Ryan told Inside INdiana Business his team took note of Indianapolis’ strong sports enthusiasm and fan base.

“We think Indianapolis is going to be a great spot for us given the Fever and given the Pacers and given the Colts…[and] the affinity for key colleges in and around the Indianapolis area, whether they’re Big Ten or not. All of that richness is there, and we’re aware of it,” Ryan said.

The Indiana Sports Corp unveiled its 2050 Vision earlier this year, and one of its goals is to be among the top three sports event host cities in the U.S.

Ryan says he hopes Tom’s Watch Bar will be a space for fans to gather when they don’t get a ticket for an event but still want a gameday experience. The restaurant hopes to partner with universities, teams and alumni associations who can use the private event space.

In 2025, Indiana will welcome WWE’s Royal Rumble, the men’s and women’s Big Ten Conference basketball tournaments and more.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Former Indianapolis Indians player Rocco Domenico “Rocky” Colavito Jr. passed away Tuesday at the age of 91. 

The Indians released the following statement: 

“We remember and honor Rocky Colavito and his contributions to the Indianapolis Indians and our history,” said Indianapolis Indians General Manager Matt Guay. “His single-season home run record is one that may never be broken. We extend our condolences to the Colavito family and his loved ones.”

Colavito holds the Indianapolis Indians single-season homerun record with 33 in 1954. Colavito also became the first of nine players in franchise history to hit three home runs in a single game. 

Colavito would go on to have a 14-year MLB career with Cleveland, Kansas City, and Detroit. 

Today, Colavito is recognized on the Elements Financial Suite Level at Victory Field as one of 21 former Indianapolis players with a dedicated suite in his honor.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The National Bank of Indianapolis has announced a new partnership with New Direction Church aimed at supporting and strengthening the local community.

Founded in 1993, the National Bank of Indianapolis was established as a locally owned institution to serve the needs of Indianapolis residents after larger banks were sold to out-of-market organizations.

According to Doug Talley, executive vice president of NBI, nonprofit banking has been a cornerstone of the bank’s mission from the start.

“Being a part of the community, helping it grow, and reinvesting in it has always been key to our work. This new partnership aligns perfectly with what Pastor Sullivan and New Direction Church are doing to benefit and uplift our community,” Talley said.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr., pastor of New Direction Church, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the potential for positive change in the Circle City.

“This partnership is an opportunity for our entire community to be blessed and benefit from initiatives we are rolling out, including the Home Buyers Assistance program. First-time homebuyers will receive down payment assistance, helping them take a significant step toward homeownership and financial stability,” Sullivan said.

In addition to homebuyer support, the partnership will also offer financial literacy courses to help Hoosiers better manage their finances and make informed decisions about saving and investing.